17 Portable Health Gadgets That Can Change Your Life

From a smart pain relief wand to medical devices that monitor vital signs, the following health gadgets work together with your smartphone to help you stay fit and to encourage you to start and stick to healthier habits.

Some of them enable patients to manage chronic conditions, others are specially designed for medical professionals, but these innovative devices can quite literally change, and even save your life.

Your Personal EKG

This nifty, FDA-cleared mobile EKG monitor from AliveCor allows you to track your heart health anytime, anywhere. When coupled with its dedicated app, Kardia Mobile delivers a medical-grade electrocardiogram (ECG) to your smartphone in just 30 seconds. It’s that simple!

Portable Gluten Tester

Designed by San Francisco-based startup 6SensorLabs, Nima is the world’s first portable gluten detector. Complete with several one-time use test capsules and a proprietary app that allows you to track and share data with other users, the pocket-sized sensor could be a lifesaver for people with gluten allergies or celiac disease.

Stylish Tracker-Watch Hybrid

Made of PVD-coated metal and featuring a silicone strap, the watch has a stylish, timeless look and is extremely comfortable to wear. It is powered by a standard CR2025 cell battery that lasts for about 8 months and comes in a range of nice colors. When connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth, the Pop sends all activity information to the accompanying Health Mate iOS app.

GLO Brilliant Personal Teeth Whitening Device is powered by a compact, iPod-like controller and requires four 8-minute application sessions daily to make your teeth up to 5 shades whiter in 5 days. The kit contains everything you need for an efficient, long-lasting teeth whitening procedure with no sensitivity, including mouthpiece and case, lip care balm, and 10 G-Vials of whitening gel.

Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

When it comes to on-the-go blood pressure monitoring, it doesn’t get more stylish than Nokia BPM+. Combining elegant, minimalist design with innovative technology, the compact health gadget is extremely easy to use and synchronizes with your smartphone via Bluetooth automatically.

The dedicated Health Mate app gives you instant color-coded feedback and professional recommendations, and makes it easy to keep track of your measurements.

BioScarf

A chic alternative to traditional air pollution masks, BioScarf is as much a warm and comfortable fashion accessory as it is an air filtration device that lowers the risk of respiratory health problems.

The revolutionary neckwear offers protection against pollutants, allergens, and viral infections thanks to its special built-in N95 air filter which strains more than 94 percent of contaminants out of the atmosphere.

World’s Most Advanced Smartphone Breathalyzer

Become a smarter drinker with Alcohoot, a mobile breathalyzer that connects to your smartphone and helps you keep track of your BAC levels.

The small gadget uses police grade technology and works in tandem with an Android/iOS app, which not only enables you to measure your blood alcohol level quickly and accurately, but also shows open restaurants nearby and even orders you a taxi.

Wireless Smart Glucometer

Made by iHealth Lab Inc, the Wireless Smart Gluco-Monitoring System is a state-of-the-art, FDA approved glucometer that measures glucose levels in the blood and then displays them on your smartphone.

This innovative health gadget features a sleek, portable design and is compatible with Apple devices. The accompanying iHealth Smart-Gluco app allows you to keep a history of all your measurements and share them with your doctor.

In addition to the glucometer itself, the kit includes 10 testing strips, 10 lancets, control solution, a lancing device, and a carry bag.

Brain Sensing Headband

Designed to help you manage and reduce stress, the unique tool gives real-time feedback on what’s happening in your brain and teaches you how to achieve peace and calm. It also offers a series of motivational challenges and rewards in order to encourage you to make meditation a part of your routine.

Compact Air Pollution Monitor

Thanks to its accurate sensors and free mobile app, the sleek device alerts you in real time about the presence of harmful gases (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while also measuring air temperature and humidity in the environment around you.

Prizewinning Water Purifier

A reliable travel companion, the SteriPEN Ultra water purifier uses ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy 99.9% of all the harmful bacteria, organisms, and viruses that can exist in water.

Equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the award-winning device is capable of treating about 50L per charge. Moreover, in just 45 seconds, a smiley face will let you know that your water is safe to drink. Otherwise, a frowning face will indicate that the process needs to be repeated.

Germ Eliminating Travel Wand

This 10″-long sanitizing travel wand is effective against harmful germs such as MRSA, H1N1, and E-coli. All you have to do is simply hold the device over the surface for 30-60 seconds and this will be completely germ-free and safe to touch.

Female Urinating Device

Unsanitary public toilets are a serious health risk, but with Shewee, a portable urinating device, traveling ladies won’t have to worry about this ever again. The discreet device allows women to urinate whilst standing or sitting without even removing their clothes.

Groundbreaking Smartphone Ultrasound Device

The first smartphone ultrasound imaging device in the world, MobiUS SP1 System enables medical professionals to diagnose patients in remote areas.

Developed by medical company Mobisante, the small, portable ultrasound wand is not compatible with iOS or Android devices, but comes attached to a Toshiba TG01 handset running Windows Mobile 6.5. It can be used for monitoring pregnancies, but also for various abdominal, cardiac, pelvic, and peripheral vessel scans. Images are stored on an 8GB microSD memory card and can be shared via Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or USB.

Smart Fork that Helps You Eat More Slowly

Powered by Slow Control, HAPIfork helps you stay healthy by monitoring your eating habits. The electronic fork uses a built-in accelerometer to track hand motion. Consequently, it measures the time between bites, and if you’re eating too quickly, it starts vibrating and its circular light turns red.

The smart utensil features a Micro USB connector and pairs with HAPIfork mobile app (Android and iOS) to help you track and sync your data as you eat.

Remote Cardiac Monitoring System

BodyGuardian Heart allows healthcare practitioners to monitor their patients with cardiac arrhythmias and send the data to the service’s cloud platform.

Developed by Preventice Solutions in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, this remote cardiac monitoring system is capable of tracking ECG, respiratory rate, heart rate, and activity level. When coupled with the PatientCare Portal or the BodyGuardian Connect smartphone, it can also remotely monitor blood pressure, weight, glucose, or peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2).